Wednesday, December 19, 2012

New Stimulus Lowers Mortgage Rates


mortgage



     Recently the Federal Reserve launched new stimulus measures designed to boost the economy. Mortgage rates fell to new all-time lows as a result. 

     Anyone thinking about buying a house or refinancing an existing mortgage can confidently do so now. “There’s no reason to think rates will fall much further, according to economists,” states The Washington Post.

     Homebuyers are finding that prices are heading up in much of the country, as well. Since that signals a welcome strengthening of the market, it also means that buying now is a sound strategy.

     Purchases of new homes reached their highest level in two years during September – the most-recent month from which data is available – reports Bloomberg News. It’s “another sign the industry whose decline was at the heart of the recession is bouncing back,” Bloomberg adds.

     Property sales are eight to ten percent higher than they were a year ago, states the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Next year they should continue going up at the same rate, NAR predicts.

     Record-low rates make it easier to find numerous attractive homes to select from. Yet remember that we’re certain to experience both higher rates and increased real estate prices in the future.



 


Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Coyotes and Dogs


Coyote runningThis morning early I was walking my 2 dogs around the front 7 holes of golf (#2 thru #8). I passed a woman with her 2 dogs as I have on many mornings. As I was by the 5th hole, I heard screams which I thought came from that woman. She was madly calling for her dogs. Then I spotted a coyote running down the 4th fairway with one of her dogs (on its leash) running after it.  I (with 2 dogs in tow), ran past the 5th hole. I flagged down a grounds keeper in a cart and yelled for him to go after that dog. He did. As I got to the top of the hill by the green tee on the 4th, I could see the dog running out of the bushes.  I got him to come to me, grabbed his leash and hurried back towards where his mistress was calling, yelling that I had her dog.  When I got to her she was sobbing, but now she had both her dogs. It seems the coyote had taunted her dogs but she couldn't hold them and they ran after it. She was badly shaken, but all turned out well., It was one of those times when you think, what if that had been me? I shutter to think that.


Friday, November 30, 2012

Remembering Our Troops Overseas


On Wednesday, November 14th, I was at the Garden Club helping to pack boxes of goodies - everything from toothpaste to beef jerky to foot powder to candy - to be sent overseas to our heroes and heroines serving in our military. Each box had a special message tucked inside.



Note from Nancy White


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Saturday Live at the Met!


Last Saturday I went to the opera in my yoga clothes! Right after my 8a.m. yoga class I raced over to the Edwards Mira Mesa 18 theatres to meet a girlfriend and attend a matinee performance of the Metropolitan Opera, beamed live from New York. What a great experience! We watched The Tempest - a so-so opera. What I loved was their intermissions in New York where the cameras went back stage. We got to see how the stage was completely transformed for each act (an engineering and logistics marvel). And we also got to see live interviews of the leading performers. Those behind-the-scenes moments were the best part for me.


Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Learn Almost Anything at the "Khan Academy"!


While surfing the web I stumbled upon an AWESOME website.  It’s called “Khan Academy” and you can Learn Almost Anything!.  They have already delivered 203,489,566 lessons from Computer Science … to Mathematics … to Anything!

Visit this super site!


Thursday, October 25, 2012

Rancho Santa Fe Home Sales UP from Last Year!


Historic Rancho Santa Fe



Take a look at these Rancho Santa Fe Home Sales for September 2012. As you can see from these numbers ... the trend in the Rancho Santa Fe market is definitely on the up-swing!



Rancho Santa Fe – all of 92067

September property sales were 17, up 41.7% from 12 in September 2011. 

September 2012 sales were at their highest level compared to September 2011 and 2010. 

September year-to-date sales of 166 are 19.4% higher than last year’s year-to-date sales of 139.

September Month’s Supply of Inventory:  11.2 months, down -46% from September 2011 supply!


Monday, October 22, 2012

Be Ready for Emergencies by Receiving REVERSE 911 CALLS!


EMERGENCY HELP with "READY SAN DIEGO"

Prepare, Plan, Stay Informed!



I just heard about this system for setting up your cell phone and /or email address for a Reverse 911 Alert. You will receive a call on your cell phone (in addition to your landline) when the address it is attached to is affected by an emergency. To learn more and sign up for the great service ... CLICK HERE!


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Market Trend Home Prices in Rancho Santa Fe, CA


Take a look at this “Market Action Report” for all of the Rancho Santa Fe, CA Zip Code 92067. This is a facet of the report showing what prices have done in the past 3 years … very interesting information!

Prices in Rancho Santa Fe for the Past 3 Years!



 


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Market Trends


Take a look at this great "Market Action Report" for Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate! It shows market profiles, Trend Overviews and Property Sales for the last twelve months ending September 2012.

Market Action Report for Rancho Santa Fe


Saturday, October 13, 2012

How to Make the Best Offer on a Home!

 “What do I have to do to get my offer accepted? I keep making offers and never get one!”.
Click Here to Read More!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

"Taco Fest" Luncheon Today in Rancho Santa Fe, CA


Rancho Santa Fe "Rancho Days" will have a "Taco Fest Lunch" today from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm sponsored by the RSF Association Board of Directors! Join them on the Association's patio for beef or chicken tacos cooked fresh on the grill and entertainment by "Cash on Demand". After lunch, Country Friends will serve cake and refreshments as you mingle with friends and enjoy viewing beautiful artwork displayed by the RSF Art Guild!


Monday, October 1, 2012

Are You Registered to VOTE?


This is "Election Year"!  Be sure you are registered to vote in the elections.



The deadline to register electronically is midnight on October 22nd for the General Election to be held on November 6th. For more information "CLICK HERE"


Rancho Santa Fe "Rancho Days" ... October 2nd Activities


 



Don't Miss Out on the FUN at Rancho Santa Fe "Rancho Days" for Tuesday, October 2nd ....



"Petals & Prose Flower Exhibition & Reception" from 5pm 'til 7pm ... sponsored by RSF Garden Club & Library Gild & It's FREE!

Members of the community are invited to select a favorite book & create an artistic flower arrangement which captures its spirit. At the catered reception, prizes will be give to the guest who correctly matches the most arrangements at the library.



"Movie Under the Stars" from 7-8pm ... sponsored by the San Diego County Library - It's FREE as well!



To find out even more about daily activities, visit www.rsfassociation.org



 


Monday, September 24, 2012

"What's Happening" in Rancho Santa Fe!


Rancho Days 2012 is almost here ... beginning on Friday, September 28th and continuing through Sunday October 7th ... just look at the fun stuff going on:



Fri., Sept. 28 thru October 6 - Village Scavenger Hunt

Fri., Sept. 28 - Fall Festival Family BBQ - 4pm 'til 8 pm

Sat., Sept. 29 - Trail Ride & Lunch - 10 am 'til 2 pm

Sat., Sept. 29 - Riding Demo & BBQ - 5:30pm 'til 8:30pm

Sun., Sept. 30 - Hollywood Cowboys - 4pm 'til 7pm

Tue., Oct. 2 - Petals & Pros - 5pm 'til 7 pm

Tue., Oct. 2 - Movie Under the Stars - 7pm 'til 8pm

Wed., Oct. 3 - Taco Fest Lunch - 11:30am 'til 1:30pm

Wed., Oct. 3 - Mingle with Friends + Desserts, Arts & Refreshments - 12pm 'til 2:30pm

Thur., Oct. 4 - Crepes & Coffee - 7:30am 'til 11:00am

Thur., Oct. 4 - Merchants Open House - 2pm 'til 5pm

Thur., Oct. 4 - Wine Tasting on the Terrace - 5:30pm 'til 7:30pm

Fri., Oct. 5 - Garden Reception by Dr. Jack Wheaton - 2pm 'til 3:30pm

Fri., Oct. 5 - Neighbor Night - 5:30pm 'til 8pm

Fri., Oct.5 - Kids Night Out - 5pm 'til 8:30pm

Sat., Oct. 6 - Fiesta de Osuna Adobe - 11:30am 'til 1:30pm

Sat., Oct. 6 - Celebrate the Horse! - Show begins at 1:45pm

Sat., Oct. 6 - Hoe Down Dance & BBQ - 4pm 'til 8pm

Sun., Oct. 7 - Pancake Breakfast - 8am 'til 12pm

Sun., Oct. 7 - Tennis Club 50th Anniversary Celebration - 12pm 'til 5pm



If you have any questions ... feel free to phone me ... Nancy White at 858-735-6505



 


Friday, September 21, 2012

Rancho Santa Fe "Fashion Show" a Big Success


The Rancho Santa Fe "Country Friends" hosted their annual Fashion Show yesterday at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.  Largely attended ... this fund raiser "takes over the village" and donates to many needy charities in the area! 


Monday, September 17, 2012

"What's Happening" in Rancho Santa Fe


Rancho Days 2012 is almost here ... beginning on Friday, September 28th and continuing through Sunday October 7th ... just look at the fun stuff going on:



Fri., Sept. 28 thru October 6 - Village Scavenger Hunt



Fri., Sept. 28 - Fall Festival Family BBQ - 4pm 'til 8 pm



Sat., Sept. 29 - Trail Ride & Lunch - 10 am 'til 2 pm



Sat., Sept. 29 - Riding Demo & BBQ - 5:30pm 'til 8:30pm



Sun., Sept. 30 - Hollywood Cowboys - 4pm 'til 7pm



Tue., Oct. 2 - Petals & Pros - 5pm 'til 7 pm



Tue., Oct. 2 - Movie Under the Stars - 7pm 'til 8pm



Wed., Oct. 3 - Taco Fest Lunch - 11:30am 'til 1:30pm



Wed., Oct. 3 - Mingle with Friends + Desserts, Arts & Refreshments - 12pm 'til 2:30pm



Thur., Oct. 4 - Crepes & Coffee - 7:30am 'til 11:00am



Thur., Oct. 4 - Merchants Open House - 2pm 'til 5pm



Thur., Oct. 4 - Wine Tasting on the Terrace - 5:30pm 'til 7:30pm



Fri., Oct. 5 - Garden Reception by Dr. Jack Wheaton - 2pm 'til 3:30pm



Fri., Oct. 5 - Neighbor Night - 5:30pm 'til 8pm



Fri., Oct.5 - Kids Night Out - 5pm 'til 8:30pm



Sat., Oct. 6 - Fiesta de Osuna Adobe - 11:30am 'til 1:30pm



Sat., Oct. 6 - Celebrate the Horse! - Show begins at 1:45pm



Sat., Oct. 6 - Hoe Down Dance & BBQ - 4pm 'til 8pm



Sun., Oct. 7 - Pancake Breakfast - 8am 'til 12pm



Sun., Oct. 7 - Tennis Club 50th Anniversary Celebration - 12pm 'til 5pm 



 


Friday, September 14, 2012

Saving My Trees After Our August Heatwave


Our August heatwave stressed some of my trees.  It's important to preserve these natural assets, so I'm going to deep water them.  How about  you?






http://bit.ly/NdswKq

Saturday, August 18, 2012

5 Musts Before You List Your Home


5 Musts Before You List Your Home



Here are a few sure-fired things to do to bring you the most money for your home:



(1) Organize your Files - You should have a detailed list of all the repairs and upgrades you have done in your home and be ready to share that list, any receipts and warranties with prospective buyers.  This shows you have kept your home in good repair (value added).



(2) Declutter - Now is the time to clean out closets, the garage and other storage areas of things you no longer need.  The sooner you start, the less rushed you will be later, and the more spacious the home appears to prospective buyers.  Start with one closet and move on to the next and the next.  There are many organizations that would make good use of those unwanted, but still useful items.  And they will come and pick them up from you!  You may even get a tax write-off!



(3) Get a Home Inspection – This isn’t just for buyers. Having an inspection before your house goes on the market can identify any problems.  It’s best to be prepared for a buyer and to make any repairs your inspection recomments.  Another good move to show a buyer you are on top of things.



(4) Clean and Clean Some More – A clean and tidy home is very inviting to a buyer, while a dusty, dirty home is a real turn-off.  Windows washed and carpets cleaned are definites.



(5) Stage Your Home – I always recommend a professional stager, but there are probably websites or HGTV shows that can help you.  You want to start with curb appeal – neat and tidy yard with flowers, clean front door, and settings inside where buyers can picture themselves comfortable and living in your home.



These are tried and true tips to get you the fastest sale with the fewest hassles and the highest price.  Definitely worth the effort!   Nancy White  858-735-6505


Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Big-Hearted Secret Millionaire


On Sunday, June 2, 2012, ABC’s “The Secret Millionaire” aired, showing Scott Jacobs (a client of mine) from Rancho Santa Fe.  Scott is a painter - the fine artist for Corvette and for Harley Davidson.  He also has his own line of contemporary still-lifes featuring wines and glassware, etc.  (Incidentally, Scott, through his own hard work, is a self-made millionaire.)  For the show Scott and his 20-yr old daughter, Alexa, were transported to Newark, New Jersey (near where he was raised).  They left behind cell phones, etc., so no contact with the rest of the family for a week.  The premise of the show is the millionaire (in secret) brings a film crew and goes out to the streets looking for groups that they would like to personally donate to.  The guise is the film crew is filming a story on volunteering, with Scott and Alexa looking for volunteer opportunities. 



The first group they found was run by the mom of a 27-yr old soldier killed in Irag.  Her group was called GIs on the Go.  The group went out looking for homeless soldiers living on the streets of Newark.  Scott and Alexa went on a midnight run (4a.m.to 6a.m.) to find these homeless vets.  Each one they found received a duffle bag of clothing, toiletries, food, a little cash and other essentials.  Scott and Alexa were both quite touched by the devotion of the volunteers doing this work.



Next they found a group called Art Glass.  An attorney had left his job to teach inner city kids the art of glass blowing.  Since Scott was an artist, this rang home to him.  There was one young fellow, Chris, who was making glass bowls.  He had very little family support – emotionally and physically.  It reminded Scott of his early life.



The last group was run by an inner city grandmother who was teaching school dropouts job skills.  Some learned landscaping, lawnmoving, etc.  Scott and Alexa “volunteered” with the group as they cleaned up and moved a neglected cemetery.



On their last day Scott and Alexa visited each group and Scott fessed up – he is really a millionaire and he presented each group with a check.  Shock, tears, and hugs of gratitude.  Very touching to watch.  To the GIs on the Go Scott wrote a $75,000 check. Art Glass received $20,000.  Again, disbelief, and incredible gratitude. Scott gave that young fellow a $2500 check which he used to help his family.  The last group (forget their name) Scott gave them I think $50,000. Disbelief, tears and hugs of gratitude.



Later Scott’s wife gave me a few more details.  He also gave away a lot of laptop computers to the groups.  One of the homeless vets who was estranged from his wife told Alexa as she was volunteering that he wished his little girl would grow up to be half the woman Alexa is.  Scott has taken young Chris, the glass blower, under his wing and is encouraging him to make bowls that he can sell with Scott when he sells his Harley Davidson paintings and prints at different bike shows.  Also, Mayor Booker of Newark has invited the family back in November for a big presentation.  Many other invitations are flowing to Scott.  In the show Scott tearfully told how this experience has opened his heart.  It was life-changing for both Scott and Alexa.  It was a 3+tissue show!


Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Market Trends - July 2012


MARKET TRENDS



 



We are now past the half-way mark in 2012.  To paint a broad picture, I’ve included stats for Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas in these numbers.



Rancho Santa Fe – all of 92067



June property sales were 24, up 20% from 20 in June 2011. 



June 2012 sales were at their highest level compared to June 2011 and 2010. 



June year-to-date sales of 106 are 2.9% higher than last year’s y-t-d sales of 103.



June Month’s Supply of Inventory:  8.7 months, down -32% from June 2011 supply!



 



Del Mar - 92014



June property sales were 23, up 15% from 20 in June 2011. 



June 2012 sales were at their highest level compared to June of 2011 and 2010. 



June year-to-date sales of 115 are 5.5% ahead of last year’s y-t-d sales of 109.



June Month’s Supply of Inventory:  5.7 months, down -42% from June 2011 supply!



 



Solana Beach - 92075



June property sales were 20, down -16.7% from 24 of June 2011. 



June 2012 sales were at a mid-level compared to June of 2011 and 2010. 



June year-to-date sales of 108 are 38.5% ahead of last year’s y-t-d sales of 78.



June Month’s Supply of Inventory:  4.1 months, down -29% from June 2011 supply!



 



Encinitas – all of 92024 from the beach to Olivenhain



June property sales were 62, up 12.7% from 55 in June 2011. 



June 2012 sales were at their highest level compared to June of 2011 and 2010. 



June year-to-date sales of 313 are 19% ahead of last year’s ytd sales of 263.



June Month’s Supply of Inventory:  3.5 months, down -35% from June 2011 supply!



As you can see from these numbers, the trend in our market is definitely on the up-swing.  This is good news for sellers who have been holding off putting their homes on the market.  And this is a wake-up call to buyers who have been waiting for the market to bottom out…well, it has, and we now are on the way up.  Also, our shadow inventory (short sales and foreclosures) is declining – that’s another good sign!



(Month’s Supply of Inventory = the number of months needed to sell all of the inventory at the current monthly sales pace.)



If you have questions or want more information, call me – 858-735-6505.  I love talking real estate and I find these numbers fascinating.  (I’m good with math.)



Cheers, Nancy



 


How to Ripen Those Summer Peaches


Simply put those rock-hard peaches in a brown paper bag with an apple - yes, an apple. Close the bag up and set it aside for a few days. Voila! In a few days you will have ripe peaches!


Sunday, July 29, 2012

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THREATS IN EUROPE�� by JOHN CLEESE



(John Cleese - British writer, actor and tall person)



The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent events in Syria and have therefore raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved." Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." The English have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea ...supplies nearly ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to "A Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was in 1588, when threatened by the Spanish Armada.



The Scots have raised their threat level from "Pissed Off" to "Get the Bastards." They don't have any other levels. This is the reason they have been used on the front line of the British army for the last 300 years.



The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide." The only two higher levels in France are "Collaborate" and "Surrender." The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France 's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability.



Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout Loudly and Excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."



The Germans have increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbour" and "Lose."



Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual; the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.



The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.



Australia , meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No worries" to "She'll be alright, Mate." Two more escalation levels remain: "Crikey! I think we may have to cancel the barbie this weekend!" and "The barbie is cancelled." So far no situation has ever warranted use of the last final escalation level.



A final thought - "Greece is collapsing, the Iranians are getting aggressive, and Rome is in disarray. Welcome back to 430 BC".


Friday, July 27, 2012

Today's Returning Veterans are Poised to Become the "Next Greatest Generation"


 The RSF Garden Club recently held its annual "Ramblin' thru the Ranch" garden tour and bazaar. (I was a docent at one of the gardens.) This year the club brought Archi's Acres to the bazaar. Karen and Colin Archipley (he is a returning vet) started this organic farm which now sells produce to local organic grocery chains Jimbo's and Whole Foods Markets. This hand-on farming really has been so successful and seemed to help returning vets regain a foothold on life back home, so the next step was for Archi's Acres to partner with Univ.of Cal.SanMarcos to offer "Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training" (VSAT) to active-duty military and returning veterans. VSAT is a 6-week full-impact training course designed for transitioning military to the private sector. The military taught these folks strong discipline and management skills so this is almost a natural for the vets. Before each student graduates they must present a viable business plan. The VSAT brochure reads: Our country needs one million new crop producers. "Sustainable organic agriculture will help America regain its economic footing. Who better than our military to play a major role!" We believe that our focus on veterans, agriculture and life skills is one that will ultimately prove to be of benefit to America. "VSAT opened my eyes to food production as a way to continue serving my country and securing our nation's future." Thus, "[T]oday's returning veterans are poised to become the "next greatest generation." The Garden Club that week awarded 2 ($4500) scholarships to 2 soldiers, and will award 3 more with the next graduating class. Makes me very proud. To read more go to www.archisacres.com.


Thursday, July 26, 2012

Welcome to My Blog!

You will see some real estate stats, as well as lots of random thoughts and ideas.     Stay tuned!
Cheers, Nancy